FAQ
Why use Tech-Dry® products?
Aussie Built stands behind Tech-Dry® products. Their goal is to preserve natural integrity and promote longevity of earth buildings and structures. Tech-Dry® products are 100% manufactured in Australia and they’ve been the leader in research and the development of earth protection products for over 20 years. Their products provide superior water repellency and protection against weathering. Their range of rammed earth products includes:
- Water repellent admixtures for rammed earth
- Penetrating sealers
- Dust binders
I am planning to build a home from rammed earth, what measures can be taken to weather-proof the building materials?
Tech-Dry produces Plasticure, an admixture designed to be added to the rammed earth mix during construction. This will make the entire rammed earth structure water repellent throughout its lifetime. A dust sealer, Earth Binder, should still be applied to prevent dusting and crumbing of walls externally and internally, while an external water-repellent sealer, Stabilised Earth Water Repellent, may be applied to enhance the surface from staining and surface marks while also protecting the dust sealer.
Is there a product available that will stop my earth wall from weather deterioration?
When an external wall is repeatedly wet and dried in an exposed environment it will deteriorate and break down over time. If the wall cannot be protected against rain or other water sources, then a penetrating water-repellent sealer should be applied over the surface. The Stabilised Earth Water Repellent W sealer will stop the wall from absorbing water; however, it will not impede its ability to breathe.
How important is the breathability of my earth wall?
The breathability of earth walls is essential, or the risk of deterioration (due to the accumulation of trapped moisture within) is too great. Any surface application of a water-repellent sealer or dust binder must not interfere with the permeability of the wall. Tech-Dry earth building products are designed to provide the maximum protection without affecting the gaseous transfer within the wall.
Is a product available to prevent my external walls from crumbling?
Yes. Earth Binder can be applied in conjunction with Stabilised Earth Water Repellent W providing excellent dust sealing and water-repellent properties to a loose surface. These products, when both applied, will protect the surface against moisture, as well as bind it against dusting. They will not affect the surface breathability or appearance.
Is there a product available that will seal the internal walls from dust and residue?
Earth Binder will provide excellent surface adhesion and has some water resistance so its use is ideal in wet areas such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Is a surface sealer required if the admixture Plasticure is used?
No, a surface sealer is not required. Plasticure will waterproof the wall, throughout its lifetime. However, a dust sealer, Earth Binder, should still be applied to prevent dusting and crumbling of walls externally and internally, while Stabilised Earth Water Repellent may be applied to enhance the surface from staining and surface marks while also protecting the dust sealer.
What is the ideal time to apply sealers?
Ideally, Tech-Dry Stabilised Earth Water Repellent should be applied between 50°F – 77°F, preferably on non-windy days where rain is not expected. Earth Binder should not be applied at temperatures below 50°F as this will affect the proper curing of the product on the surface.
If a sealer was used on the walls, how long would it last?
Tech-Dry sealers have a life expectancy of a minimum of 5 years before a reapplication is required. However, this time period may vary depending on the degree of weathering, surface traffic and climatic conditions.
Can I use Tech-Dry products if my wall has been previously treated?
Yes. Most Tech-Dry products can be used, however, a test area should be performed prior to application.
Will the Tech-Dry products change the appearance of the earth building materials?
All Tech-Dry water-repellent sealers produce a matte finish. As the sealers are penetrating, there is no skin or film present. There is no significant color change; however, there is a slight darkening in some substrates. The dust sealers, when diluted to the recommended ratio, will also provide a matte finish to the earth substrates. Again, there will be no color change. A test area is recommended prior to application.
I am allergic to solvents. Are your products safe?
Plasticure, Earth Binder and Stabilised Earth Water Repellent are user-friendly and environmentally-friendly products. They water-based and possess zero VOC. Material Safety Data Sheets are available on the website product pages.
What tools do I need to apply your products?
Our Tech-Dry products are water-based and can be easily applied using a brush, roller or pump-up sprayer (i.e. weed killer sprayer). We do advise the wearing of efficient eye protection. Check out Aussie Built's Rammed Earth Sealing Process for more instructions.
How do I clean my tools after using your products?
All tools can be cleaned using water.
What is your return/refund policy?
The return of unopened and undamaged products, in the original packaging, may be accepted within 30 days of the date of purchase. All returns will incur a 20% restocking fee. The purchaser is responsible for all return shipping costs. Please contact us for a return authorization number before returning your product.